Press Conference 12/1/2041

[Clayman]

Ask any questions you want be they Athens Fighting Centaurs or UMEBA related, the ongoing continuation of this thread depends on you the GMs of the MBWBA. Don't forget the more questions you ask the more PP you gain.

[HoosierVic]

Thanks for taking my question …

How long does management think it will take for the Fighting Centaurs to be competitive in the UMEBA? (1 year? 2 years? 5 years?)

Many BBA teams have trademarked development plans they follow. Chicago has The Blueprint (TM), for example. Portland has The Master Plan (TM). California has Breaking Wind (or something like that …). Does Athens have anything comparable - a set of guidelines to follow for improving the team? Will you emphasize pitching and defense, for example? Speed and power?

And, finally, how does ownership feel about fruit baskets as a motivational tool?

Thank you!

[Clayman]

Victor, Hoosier Times.

Thanks for taking my question …

Your welcome.

How long does management think it will take for the Fighting Centaurs to be competitive in the UMEBA? (1 year? 2 years? 5 years?)

If we had been placed in the BURT, you'd be talking 3 years tops before we were knocking on Istanbul's door or a wild card at least. Now your talking 2 teams who won 80 games and one that nearly hit the 100 mark so the BANCROFT is a different beast, plus throw in the fact the BURT is in change GM wise the BANCROFT isn't. Long story short if we're in a wild card situation in 3 maybe 4 years time I'd be very happy indeed.

Many BBA teams have trademarked development plans they follow. Chicago has The Blueprint (TM), for example. Portland has The Master Plan (TM). California has Breaking Wind (or something like that …). Does Athens have anything comparable - a set of guidelines to follow for improving the team? Will you emphasize pitching and defense, for example? Speed and power?

At the moment we're on the Warm Body Plan, four levels of baseball and your trying to fill the holes with guys who've had their feet up for a couple years bit like the Beekeeper we just signed, then you have the guys that most of the teams don't want. However if your asking me what I want this team to be in the future, dirt dogs that's what I want, I want guys to walk of that field with dirt on their uniforms be that diving for a line drive or sliding into third knowing their getting a cleat in their face. Glove, speed and get on base if they have to punch someone to do it.

And, finally, how does ownership feel about fruit baskets as a motivational tool?

Ownership as something more than fruit baskets as motivational tools, at the moment I can't elaborate but I've been told it will be announced in The Blue & White issue 3 which I think is out Tuesday, Alexis?

"Yes boss, out Tuesday".

Next reporter please.

[Fat Nige]

Who do you think will be Athen’s best player in 2042? And has anyone got a chance to get on the leaderboards?

[tallywood]

Good afternoon,

Manama Pearls' beat reporter here. What would you say is your barometer for success is this first year? And do you have any concerns heading into spring training regarding anything on your team - positional issue, player/social issue, front office issue? Lastly, could you tell us anything about your philosophy on how the game should be played - we are seeing a healthy mix of traditional vs sabermetric, where do you stand?

Thank you.

[Clayman]

Next reporter is Nige.

Ahh a fellow Englishman, we'll have to crack open the ouzo later.

Who do you think will be Athen’s best player in 2042? And has anyone got a chance to get on the leaderboards?

The first is a tough one, apart from one or two, most of these guys I've seen on film only. Some of them haven't played for a couple years, so you never know how they'll show up. All I can say is I'm glad we got hold ofBarney Everhart and Nate Wood, I think Bartolo Gomez may surprise one or two. However don't forget that in the coming days we're hopeful of signing some more guys, obviously I can't divulge their names, so I can't say if their going to be our best players nor hit the leaderboard so answers to your questions will become clearer the closer we get to Opening Day. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Next reporter

[Clayman]

Pearls beat reporter I think, hopefully we don't give too much away.

Good afternoon,

What would you say is your barometer for success is this first year?

I'd love to say a .500 season, if we sign all our targets to add to the players already signed I think we can get 70 wins. We have 4 tough teams though to go up against, we just have to believe in what and who we are.

And do you have any concerns heading into spring training regarding anything on your team - positional issue, player/social issue, front office issue?

At the moment my biggest concern is getting bodies on the roster, plus getting so many players in such a short time is will they gel together, will you have split groups in the locker room. You could have twenty five all stars in that locker room, if they have each other you'll end up with a Bush League team so bodies and getting them to gel, body gel if you would have it.

Lastly, could you tell us anything about your philosophy on how the game should be played - we are seeing a healthy mix of traditional vs sabermetric, where do you stand?

I've always loved the thinking man's game, give me a glove and a hitter who'll make the pitcher throw a dozen pitches at him then walk to first and I'll go weak at the knees, literally.

Thank you.

Your welcome, next reporter.